Is soccer a non contact sport?

[Johnniem]

Tried this in the football section but there don't seem to be many opinions on the matter. Not like PH at all so I thought I'd scuttle along to the sports section...

General heated discussion yesterday about whether football/soccer is a non-contact sport. My view is that it is officially a non-contact sport although I accept that contact does occur. If played within FIFA rules there should be no contact as any contact could lead to a foul, however, there is a limited amount of what is called 'permitted contact'. Does this make it a contact sport?

Bear in mind that a game of football could be started and finished without anyone actually touching anyone else (unlike rugby or American football - which I believe now to be categorised as a 'collision sport'). I have been unable to find any comment in the rules of the game (as issued by FIFA) but I have found much comment on t'interweb which leads only to more confusion as there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer.

Can anyone lead me to an answer? Contact or non contact? Please don't be saying that 'football is a contact sport because players make contact' as this is not a reason why it is a contact sport. Basketball is a non-contact sport but has permissible contacts.

Would be good to settle this one but I suspect this may be impossible!

[Steffan]

I have always considered it a contact sport.

It certainly was when I was trying to be like Norman Hunter (failed).

I think the value of players and consequences of injury have made it noticeably less so over time.

But its still a contact sport. Remember Cantona. Now that is contact!

[lazyitus]

For the pure fact that shoulder charges are legal and a big part of the game, I don't see how it can be classed as a non-contact sport.

[KB_S1]

Absolutely a contact sport.

Shoulder barges allowed.
Contact through tackling is almost inevitable.
Use of body to shield ball.